OVERVIEW

FreshBooks does not generate LEDES format invoices. This makes it hard for lawyers and law firms to generate LEDES format invoices for client invoice management software such as Serengeti, CounselLink, TyMetrix, and others.

To fill this gap, ROL Group has created a free online program to help law firms take their FreshBooks invoices and convert them to LEDES1998B format. This allows the invoice to be uploaded to these invoice management systems.

In order to use this program you must have an updated version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox.

CRISPLEDES FOR FRESHBOOKS

VERSION NUMBER 1.0

Configuration File

CSV File

Progress:

DETAILS

The CrispLedes for Freshbooks Program takes as input an editable configuration file and a CSV file containing the FreshBooks invoices. The program outputs those invoices in LEDES1998B format together with three CSV files (one CSV summarizes each invoice, the second CSV file is a detailed copy of the LEDES output in CSV format and the third CSV is created in the event that the user would like to run analysis on the data). A LINT error file may also be displayed and added to the zip file if the program notices peculiar entries.

We provide further documentation in a PDF with more details on the program’s assumptions and the scope of the project. The documentation explains how to generate invoices using the program. The documentation also includes: how matter numbers are extracted from FreshBooks line item invoice details, and the details of the LEDES1998B format output. For example, our law firm uses matter numbers of the general form CLNT-A1234 and the program is designed around that assumption. If you use different styles for your matter numbers you will need to customize the program to your needs.

DOWNLOADS

In addition to the PDF documentation, the ZIP-file download includes sample inputs and a sample configuration file. The program is open source-licensed under an MIT license to allow you to further develop it for your law firm’s needs.

OTHER USES

In addition to the LEDES-formatted document, the CrispLedes for Freshbooks Program outputs a detailed CSV with the same information as the LEDES invoice file, making the program ideal for attributing invoice line items to specific timekeepers and client projects. ROL Group has used this feature for budgeting purposes. Other purposes include assessing time keeper productivity, bill through, and client work diversity.

NOTES AND DISCLAIMERS

NOTE: We have tested our output in Serengeti. Overall this was a success; however, Serengeti may generate a “red flag” for unrecognized timekeepers on their first invoice. Your client must fix this issue by approving the timekeeper.

DISCLAIMER: We at ROL Group have found this program to be useful and want to share it with other law firms who may find the program to be helpful for invoice generation. We do not provide assurance that the way we have set up the program will conform to your specific way of billing, and we provide no guarantee of quality or accuracy.